Foreign ministers of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) have highlighted the importance of the 23 years old regional body of seven counties and pledged to take it further forward with collective works.
They issued separate messages ahead of the 23rd BIMSTEC Day to be celebrated on Saturday. There will be no event due to the coronavirus pandemic.
BIMSTEC Secretary General Ambassador M Shahidul Islam in his message reaffirmed the Secretariat’s, based in Dhaka, commitment “to work closely with the Member States in fulfilling the goals set by the BIMSTEC Leaders.”
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are the members of the regional organisation that started its journey on 6 June 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration for technical and economic cooperation.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen conveyed his sincere greetings to all members of the BIMSTEC family on this occasion.
“Bangladesh, as a founding member of BIMSTEC, attaches high importance to this regional platform,” he said in his message.
“Moreover, the government of Bangladesh led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stresses on the importance of stronger regional cooperation. Bangladesh has been contributing towards BIMSTEC process with continued and ever increasing engagements.
“Since its inception in 1997, it has been working to advance the common visions and shared endeavors of the Bay of Bengal Region. Hosting of the BIMSTEC Secretariat in Dhaka is the manifestation of Bangladesh's firm commitment to the BIMSTEC process,” said Dr Momen.
“I strongly believe that in the face of the unprecedented challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the relevance and role of BIMSTEC as a regional group of 1.5 billion people is of utmost importance.
“With a view to addressing the critical social and economic impacts of COVID-19, the BIMSTEC can play an instrumental role in establishing a strong partnership and solidarity among the BIMSTEC member states.
“A timely and effective response to COVID-19 can enable the BIMSTEC Member States to limit the potentially devastating impact on its people and economies and find out suitable remedies the pandemic already caused.
“Bangladesh is ready to extend all support to the BIMSTEC initiatives in this regard.
“As a leading country for Trade, Investment and Development under BTMSTEC process, Bangladesh is strongly committed to enhance trade and investment cooperation in the BIMSTEC region by establishing BIMSTEC Free Trade Area,” he said.
“Bangladesh is pledged to collaborate with all BIMSTEC member states to create an enabling environment for facilitating trade, investment and wide range of issues of mutual interests.
“A result-oriented mutually beneficial partnership under BIMSTEC process can usher in collective economic and social prosperity of our peoples,” Dr Momen said reaffirming the “firm assurance and support” of Bangladesh government in bolstering the BTMSTEC process.
Foreign Minister of Bhutan Dr Tandi Dorji extended his warmest greetings and best wishes to the peoples and governments of BIMSTEC member states.
Bhutan joined the BIMSTEC family in 2004 and has endeavored in fostering mutually beneficial cooperation in our region under BIMSTEC’s various sectors of cooperation.
“We have made tremendous progress and today is a day to reflect on our journey thus far. It is also a day to look ahead to the future,” he said.
“As we celebrate this special day, governments and peoples in our region and around the globe continue to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Our countries are at different stages of the pandemic.
“However, I am confident that through enhanced cooperation and solidarity amongst ourselves, we will not only weather this crisis but also grow stronger and more connected,” he said, wishing everyone success in the fight against the virus.
“The Royal government would like to reiterate its commitment and continued support for BIMSTEC.”
Foreign Minister of Nepal Pradeep Kumar Gyawali extended his best wishes for the successful operation of this regional organisation towards achieving “peace, prosperity and happiness” for the peoples of the region.
“The regional cooperation under BIMSTEC has grown consistently with holding of the Summits and other meetings at various levels, the establishment of the Secretariat, conclusion of agreements in vital areas, and the implementation of activities in the areas of cooperation,” he said.
Covid-19 pandemic has brought an unprecedented challenge before us, he said.
“This pandemic has exposed our shortcomings. As ensuing economic slowdown lies ahead, it is a difficult time that demands us to build a better resilience across the region,” he said.
“I believe, enhanced connectivity, development of green energy, increased intra-regional trade, investment and tourism, agricultural development, public health partnership, and close cultural and people-to-people contacts merit our serious attention.
He renewed Nepal’s commitment to delivering “peace and prosperity” to the people by “accelerating meaningful cooperation within the BIMSTEC framework.”
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena conveyed his greetings to all Member States and said in the past 23 years, BIMSTEC has evolved as a stable organisation and Sri Lanka as a founder member has contributed “consistently” in connecting South Asia and South East Asia through BIMSTEC.
Considering the sizable population and market, BIMSTEC as a regional grouping has an important role to play in the 21st century and this could only be achieved through close cooperation and new working arrangements, he said.
“As the world is facing a major economic and social downturn due to the effects of COVID-19 pandemic, the collective role of BIMSTEC Member States is vital in overcoming challenges that are common to the region due to its complimentary nature of economic and social integration.
“Moreover, as the lead country for Science, Technology and Innovations, Sri Lanka will continue to actively participate and add value to initiatives of the organization in overcoming these challenges,” he said.
Thai foreign minister Don Pramudwinai congratulated the people of the region sending his best wishes.
BIMSTEC was founded 23 years ago in Bangkok with the vision of fostering cooperation among countries of the Bay of Bengal, that is, to be a “bridge of friendship” linking Southeast and South Asia.
“Since then, our small community of nations has worked closely together towards mutual prosperity through promoting trade and economic cooperation, facilitating business, enhancing people-to-people contacts, and furthering connectivity and security, among others.
“Today, BIMSTEC has matured into a vital subregional mechanism for cooperation, with a Charter, seven pillars of cooperation, and a Master Plan on Transport Connectivity,” the Thai minister said.
“It is hoped that a future BIMSTEC Free Trade Area can be realised to further reduce logistics and transaction costs, and encourage more business and peopleto-people contacts.
“At the same time, we look to further enhance cooperation on current and future challenges, notably those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to ensure our common goal of sustainable growth through food security, sustainable agriculture, MSMEs promotion, and enhanced research and development on health and medicine.
“BIMSTEC is committed to an open outlook, reaching out to our international partners while reaffirming our support to multilateralism, open trade and investment, and people-centred development.
“Thailand is fully committed to realising BIMSTEC’s founding vision, and looks forward to our Chairmanship in 2021-2022, when we hope that our community will take forward efforts in achieving sustainable development, while complementing our collaboration with other sub-regional and regional frameworks, such as ACMECS and APEC.”
On this happy occasion, I extend my best wishes for the continued success and prosperity of BIMSTEC, for it to continue to serve as a foundation for peace, friendship, and sustainable development for our peoples, read his message.
The BIMSTEC Secretary General in his message highlighted the background of the regional association and said it was established “to accelerate economic development and social progress in the countries adjacent to the Bay of Bengal by leveraging geographical proximity and abundant natural resources.”
“Since its inception, BIMSTEC has been actively promoting physical and economic connectivity in the region through trade, transport, tourism, technology and energy cooperation,” he said.
“BIMSTEC is also mandated to promote collective action to address vulnerabilities like climate change, natural disasters, food security, terrorism, transnational crimes and communicable diseases.
“Like most other countries of the world, BIMSTEC countries’ initial response to the COVID 19 pandemic was to restrict trade, travel and other forms of connectivity,” he said.
“It is heartening to see that they are increasingly opening up trade and transport connectivity to restore essential supply chains.
“BIMSTEC Leaders are putting renewed emphasis on developing regional transport connectivity resilient to disruptions caused by future pandemic or other calamities with particular focus on coastal shipping, waterways and railways.
“The economic gains registered by BIMSTEC countries are constantly being threatened by natural disasters, climate change, pandemics, poverty and economic disparity.
“As we prepare for the Fifth BIMSTEC Summit later this year in Colombo, our Leaders are expected to provide clear directives to invest more to ensure human security,” he said reaffirming the Secretariat’s commitment to work closely with the Member States in fulfilling the goals set by the BIMSTEC Leaders.
“I am confident that the existing close cooperation among the Member States will be further strengthened in the years to come for the benefit of 1.6 billion population of this region.”